Dufferin-Caledon

On March 4, Ontario Progressive Conservatives gathered from across the province in Ottawa for the Party's Annual Meeting.

This was the first convention held since our leader, Patrick Brown, was elected and was the largest convention in the Party's history with more than 1,600 delegates in attendance.

This year's convention included the election of the Party's new executive, the unveiling of the Party's new logo, in addition to launching the Party's policy consultation process.

It was truly an eventful convention.

One of the most important events of this year's convention was the election of the Party's executive.

Voting took place on the last day of the convention, and I am pleased to announce the Party's new President Rick Dykstra. I want to thank every candidate for putting their name forward and I want to congratulate the newly elected executive as I look forward to working with them to build a stronger Progressive Conservative Party for 2018.

In addition to electing the new executive, the Party unveiled its new logo. With a fresh look and bold colours including blue, red, and green, the logo signifies inclusion, renewal, openness, and change.

This is representative of the change that has occurred under leader Patrick Brown.

This was evident at the convention as we had delegates in attendance from as far north as Kapuskasing, as west as Kenora, and south as Windsor. In addition, 14 university and college campuses were represented, and over 450 youth delegates were in attendance, which is the largest contingent of youth delegates ever to attend a convention in the Party's history.

This year's convention kicked off the Party's policy consultation process.

The Party's policy process will be driven by grassroots into the lead up of the Party's convention next year.

To start this important policy process, the Party unveiled an internet platform for individuals to submit policy ideas on a wide-array of topics.

This internet platform is open to every individual in the province; you do not need to be a member of the Party.

To submit your ideas you must register at www.forontario.ca.

If you have a smartphone, a tablet or a computer you can take part and share your ideas no matter where you are in the province.

Additionally, the Party will soon announce how individuals can submit ideas non-electronically.

This is truly the most open consultation process in Ontario.

No matter where you are, or what Party you support, you can take part in this important process and I encourage everyone to participate and share your ideas to build a better Ontario.